Research Technician II- Mougous Lab

We are currently looking for a collaborative, self-motivated Research Technician II or III for an exciting role working as a mass spectrometry expert in the laboratory of Dr. Joseph Mougous at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA. This individual will work collaboratively with a multifaceted and interactive team that primarily investigates the mechanisms bacteria employ for interbacterial competition in complex communities such as the gut microbiome. They will have unrestricted access to the lab’s cutting edge Lumos Orbitrap mass spectrometer and will work with lab members and the PI to apply mass spectrometry in diverse and creative ways to study interbacterial interactions and the gut microbiome. More information about the Mougous lab can be found here: http://mougouslab.org

The ideal candidate is an organized, collaborative, and proactive individual who enjoys working with other scientists, has a passion for scientific discovery, and has experience in mass spectrometry.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Perform hands-on experiments applying mass spectrometry analysis in support of the Mougous lab’s research.

• Serve as a point person for all mass spectrometry-related work in the lab, including developing sample preparation protocols, serving as a liaison to the lab that manages the Mougous lab instrument, and managing mass spectrometry datasets.

• Provide training to other lab members in mass spectrometry sample preparation and data analysis.

• Partner with the PI and Senior Scientists to explore new ways of applying mass spectrometry to microbiome and bacterial interaction research.

Qualifications:

Education and experience

• A Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, chemistry, or a related field is required.

• A minimum of two years of experience using mass spectrometry for proteomic analyses is required. Applicants with more experience are also encouraged to apply. Title and salary will be adjusted according to experience level and overall qualifications.

• Experience with standard molecular biology and microbiology techniques is preferred but not required.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong organizational and project management skills.

• Strong attention to detail with highly accurate work product.

• Ability to train undergraduate/graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and/or research technicians in mass spectrometry-related skills.

• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to accommodate shifting priorities and meet deadlines.

• Ability to identify areas of improvement within current processes to increase efficiency.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with team members.

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances or other hazardous materials. 

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however.  Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.